White House Sets Hearing for Lisa Cook as Trump Revives Mortgage Allegations

By Andrew Powell (/journals/andrew-powell)

President Donald Trump has established a White House committee to examine allegations that Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook made false statements on mortgage documents, opening a new chapter in his effort to remove her from the central bank. The committee will give Cook an opportunity to respond to the accusations before its members recommend whether Trump has sufficient grounds to dismiss her, per Fox News. Her first hearing is scheduled for Nov. 5, according to an administration notice dated Oct. 7 and released Friday. Cook must submit a written statement at least three days before the hearing, which will take place at the White House and last no longer than four hours. The proceedings will be closed to the public, though a transcript will be prepared. During the hearing, Cook will be permitted to present arguments, written evidence and statements from witnesses. Department of Justice attorneys will question her about the allegations, according to the White House. Three White House officials will serve on the committee, including National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett. Hassett was among Trump’s leading choices to replace Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chair before Trump selected Kevin Warsh. The committee is expected to request another written statement from Cook after the hearing. Its members will then make a recommendation to Trump on whether there is adequate cause to remove her from office. The move follows a prolonged legal fight that began in August 2025, when Trump attempted to fire Cook over the mortgage allegations. The Supreme Court blocked that effort in June 2026, ruling 5-4 that she had not been given sufficient time to respond to the claims. The White House renewed its effort in August, notifying Cook that Trump was again considering her removal. This time, she was given 21 days to respond. Her attorneys submitted a letter on Aug. 26 denying that she had committed mortgage fraud. The administration has alleged that Cook identified properties in Atlanta, Georgia, and Michigan as her primary residences on separate mortgage agreements. Officials also alleged that she later rented out the Atlanta property. Cook’s attorney disputed that account, arguing that the Atlanta property was mistakenly designated as a primary residence. According to her lawyer, Cook sought financing for the property as a vacation home and consistently identified her Michigan residence as her “primary” or “permanent” home. The new committee process gives the administration another opportunity to pursue Cook’s removal while providing her with a formal chance to defend herself against the allegations that have fueled the dispute for more than a year. Watch the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjwOBpybDJs